Two people have died from suspected gunshot wounds following a confrontation between police and demonstrators at Ishiara Market in Mbeere North, Embu County.
The protesters turned violent on Tuesday morning when protestors marched on the hospital to voice their grievances against the deteriorating state of healthcare at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital and the high costs of medical services in the area.
The situation however took another turn as police officers moved in to calm the situation after the demonstrators blocked part of the road.
Armed with placards and twigs, the irate residents cited drug shortage, a non-functional ambulance, and poor conditions at the hospital mortuary.
However, the dispute grew when the police forcefully intervened after the demonstrators blocked traffic According to the police, they were forced to open fire during the scuffle which resulted in the two deaths. More people have suffered injuries in the chaos.